10 Best Trolling Motors of 2025
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Updated June 19, 2025
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Trolling Motors Buying Guide
Introduction to Trolling Motors
Trolling motors are the unsung heroes of any angler's arsenal. These electric marvels let you glide across the water with the stealth of a ninja, positioning your boat exactly where you need it without spooking the fish. Whether you're casting for bass in a quiet lake or chasing walleye in a river, a good trolling motor is your ticket to precision and control. They come in all shapes and sizes, from compact units for kayaks to beefy models for big bass boats, so there's something for every boater out there. But with so many options, choosing the right one can feel like navigating a minefield. That's where this guide comes in—let's break it down so you can pick the perfect motor for your next fishing adventure.
Types of Trolling Motors
When it comes to trolling motors, you've got two main camps: transom mount and bow mount.
Transom Mount Trolling Motors: These are bolted to the back of your boat (the transom) and are usually controlled with a tiller handle. They're like the workhorses of the trolling world—simple, reliable, and budget-friendly. Perfect for smaller boats or casual anglers who don't need all the fancy bells and whistles.
Bow Mount Trolling Motors: Mounted at the front of the boat (the bow), these are the high-tech cousins of transom mounts. They often come with foot pedals, remote controls, and even GPS systems for pinpoint accuracy. If you're serious about fishing and want to dominate the water, a bow mount is your best bet. They're pricier but offer unmatched control and convenience.
Transom Mount Trolling Motors: These are bolted to the back of your boat (the transom) and are usually controlled with a tiller handle. They're like the workhorses of the trolling world—simple, reliable, and budget-friendly. Perfect for smaller boats or casual anglers who don't need all the fancy bells and whistles.
Bow Mount Trolling Motors: Mounted at the front of the boat (the bow), these are the high-tech cousins of transom mounts. They often come with foot pedals, remote controls, and even GPS systems for pinpoint accuracy. If you're serious about fishing and want to dominate the water, a bow mount is your best bet. They're pricier but offer unmatched control and convenience.
Key Features to Consider
Picking a trolling motor isn't just about slapping something on your boat and calling it a day. You need to think about what really matters for your fishing style. Here are the key features to keep in mind:
Thrust is basically the motor's muscle—how much push it can give your boat. For a lightweight kayak or jon boat, 30-40 pounds might be plenty, but if you're hauling a heavier bass boat through choppy waters or strong winds, you'll want something in the 70-80 pound range. It's all about matching the motor's power to your boat's needs.
The shaft length determines how deep the propeller sits in the water. Too short, and it won't get enough grip; too long, and it might drag on the bottom or snag on weeds. Measure your boat's draft (how deep it sits in the water) and pick a shaft that keeps the prop submerged but clear of trouble. Common lengths range from 30" to 60", so choose wisely based on your boat's size and where you'll be fishing.
How you steer your boat can make or break your fishing trip. Here's what you can expect:
- Tiller Handle: Old-school manual control attached directly to the motor. It's simple and great for transom mounts but requires hands-on operation.
- Foot Pedal: Hands-free heaven, especially for bow mounts. Perfect if you want to steer while casting or managing your gear.
- Remote Control: Wireless freedom to operate from anywhere on the boat—or even from shore. Many come with advanced features like speed control and GPS integration.
Batteries are the lifeblood of your trolling motor. Most run on 12V deep cycle batteries, but for bigger boats or higher thrust, you might need a 24V setup (two 12V batteries wired in series). Look for motors with efficient power usage and battery indicators so you don't get stranded mid-lake. A 50Ah battery is a solid starting point for all-day trips.
Not all trolling motors are created equal when it comes to handling the elements. If you're fishing in saltwater, you'll need a motor built to resist corrosion—think stainless steel or aluminum components, maybe even a sacrificial zinc anode to protect the metal bits. Freshwater motors are fine for lakes and rivers but won't cut it in the ocean.
Modern trolling motors are packed with tech that can take your fishing game to the next level:
- GPS and Spot-Lock: Keeps your boat anchored in place using GPS, perfect for fishing in current or wind.
- Cruise Control: Maintains a steady speed so you can focus on fishing instead of fiddling with controls.
- Variable Speed: Fine-tunes your speed for stealthy approaches or quick maneuvers.
- Propeller Type: Different props are designed for different conditions—some cut through weeds like butter, while others excel in open water.
Thrust is basically the motor's muscle—how much push it can give your boat. For a lightweight kayak or jon boat, 30-40 pounds might be plenty, but if you're hauling a heavier bass boat through choppy waters or strong winds, you'll want something in the 70-80 pound range. It's all about matching the motor's power to your boat's needs.
The shaft length determines how deep the propeller sits in the water. Too short, and it won't get enough grip; too long, and it might drag on the bottom or snag on weeds. Measure your boat's draft (how deep it sits in the water) and pick a shaft that keeps the prop submerged but clear of trouble. Common lengths range from 30" to 60", so choose wisely based on your boat's size and where you'll be fishing.
How you steer your boat can make or break your fishing trip. Here's what you can expect:
- Tiller Handle: Old-school manual control attached directly to the motor. It's simple and great for transom mounts but requires hands-on operation.
- Foot Pedal: Hands-free heaven, especially for bow mounts. Perfect if you want to steer while casting or managing your gear.
- Remote Control: Wireless freedom to operate from anywhere on the boat—or even from shore. Many come with advanced features like speed control and GPS integration.
Batteries are the lifeblood of your trolling motor. Most run on 12V deep cycle batteries, but for bigger boats or higher thrust, you might need a 24V setup (two 12V batteries wired in series). Look for motors with efficient power usage and battery indicators so you don't get stranded mid-lake. A 50Ah battery is a solid starting point for all-day trips.
Not all trolling motors are created equal when it comes to handling the elements. If you're fishing in saltwater, you'll need a motor built to resist corrosion—think stainless steel or aluminum components, maybe even a sacrificial zinc anode to protect the metal bits. Freshwater motors are fine for lakes and rivers but won't cut it in the ocean.
Modern trolling motors are packed with tech that can take your fishing game to the next level:
- GPS and Spot-Lock: Keeps your boat anchored in place using GPS, perfect for fishing in current or wind.
- Cruise Control: Maintains a steady speed so you can focus on fishing instead of fiddling with controls.
- Variable Speed: Fine-tunes your speed for stealthy approaches or quick maneuvers.
- Propeller Type: Different props are designed for different conditions—some cut through weeds like butter, while others excel in open water.
How to Choose the Right Trolling Motor for Your Boat
So, you've got your eye on a few motors, but which one is the one? Here's how to narrow it down:
1. Determine Your Boat's Size and Weight
Weigh your boat (including gear and passengers) and measure its length. A good rule of thumb is to choose a motor with thrust equal to at least 2 pounds per foot of boat length, but adjust based on your fishing conditions. Windy days or choppy water? Bump up that thrust.
2. Decide on Mount Type
If you're on a budget or have a smaller boat, a transom mount is your go-to. For larger boats or if you want advanced features like foot control or GPS, go for a bow mount.
3. Consider Your Fishing Style
Are you sneaking up on skittish fish? A quiet motor with variable speed is key. Fishing in current or wind? Look for higher thrust or GPS Spot-Lock to hold your position.
4. Check the Shaft Length
Measure your boat's draft and make sure the shaft is long enough to keep the propeller submerged but not so long that it drags on the bottom.
5. Power Source
Ensure you've got the right battery setup. For 12V motors, a deep cycle battery with at least 50Ah is ideal for all-day use. If you're stepping up to 24V, you'll need two batteries wired together.
6. Budget and Features
Trolling motors range from basic models around $200 to high-end GPS-equipped beasts over $1000. Decide what you can't live without (like GPS or foot control) and what you can compromise on. Also, don't forget to check the warranty and customer support—good coverage can save you headaches down the road.
1. Determine Your Boat's Size and Weight
Weigh your boat (including gear and passengers) and measure its length. A good rule of thumb is to choose a motor with thrust equal to at least 2 pounds per foot of boat length, but adjust based on your fishing conditions. Windy days or choppy water? Bump up that thrust.
2. Decide on Mount Type
If you're on a budget or have a smaller boat, a transom mount is your go-to. For larger boats or if you want advanced features like foot control or GPS, go for a bow mount.
3. Consider Your Fishing Style
Are you sneaking up on skittish fish? A quiet motor with variable speed is key. Fishing in current or wind? Look for higher thrust or GPS Spot-Lock to hold your position.
4. Check the Shaft Length
Measure your boat's draft and make sure the shaft is long enough to keep the propeller submerged but not so long that it drags on the bottom.
5. Power Source
Ensure you've got the right battery setup. For 12V motors, a deep cycle battery with at least 50Ah is ideal for all-day use. If you're stepping up to 24V, you'll need two batteries wired together.
6. Budget and Features
Trolling motors range from basic models around $200 to high-end GPS-equipped beasts over $1000. Decide what you can't live without (like GPS or foot control) and what you can compromise on. Also, don't forget to check the warranty and customer support—good coverage can save you headaches down the road.
Maintenance and Care
A trolling motor isn't a "set it and forget it" kind of deal. Proper care will keep it running smoothly for years:
- Regular Cleaning: After every trip, especially in saltwater, rinse the motor with fresh water to wash off salt and grime. Corrosion is the enemy here.
- Lubrication: Keep those moving parts greased up according to the manufacturer's instructions. A well-lubed motor is a happy motor.
- Battery Care: Keep your batteries charged and store them in a cool, dry place during the off-season. Dead batteries are nobody's friend.
- Propeller Inspection: Check for damage or debris after each use. A clean prop means better performance.
- Storage: Stow your motor in a dry place, preferably indoors, to protect it from the elements. A little TLC goes a long way.
- Regular Cleaning: After every trip, especially in saltwater, rinse the motor with fresh water to wash off salt and grime. Corrosion is the enemy here.
- Lubrication: Keep those moving parts greased up according to the manufacturer's instructions. A well-lubed motor is a happy motor.
- Battery Care: Keep your batteries charged and store them in a cool, dry place during the off-season. Dead batteries are nobody's friend.
- Propeller Inspection: Check for damage or debris after each use. A clean prop means better performance.
- Storage: Stow your motor in a dry place, preferably indoors, to protect it from the elements. A little TLC goes a long way.
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